Tuesday, March 26, 2013

I think, maybe, perhaps...it's about to be spring. There are tulips in Union Square and it only snowed a very few flakes yesterday.

So, things are getting going

with pussy willow

and strange pussy willow

not to mention the herbs. These were behind plastic the other day but looking very thrilling. So this morning I ventured up to the roof...

to discover that some parsley and chives, mint and rosemary had all survived the horrid long winter. So making plans to augment what's there. The city from the roof reminded me of Henry's city below (with the dinosaur looking rather trapped.)

Henry fed the animals with real strawberries

and Gretchen looked at the world from a different angle. So, as well as planting plants, I'm working on planting and growing ideas. I'm teaching Writing for Artists and Others: A Gentle Introduction at Little Bird Studios in May and June. It's open to everyone and should help people who've always wanted to write ( but felt daunted) to discover what fun it can be!* (Details below this post!)

My friend Margaret has the most beautiful china and she was given the wonderful flowers. Somehow yellow and blue are a perfect spring song.

Occuring on the following dates: May 23rd, May 30th, June 13th & June 20th**Please do not register for this class if you are unable to commit to all 4 dates**

Brenda Ueland said,“Everyone has something interesting and important to say.”

This four week writing workshop will reveal to beginning writers the joys of both poetry and prose with a view to enhancing our lives....and art work! I have lots of experience of working with people whosehigh school English instructors were crushing rather than encouraging.At Little Bird, that won't happen!

Week 1: General Introduction to Workshop and then, Poetry

I will offer the students starter ideas and models to jump start their own writing.Lots of exercises and examples to get the creative juices flowing......As artists we look at the world --as people and poets we hear, smell, touch and taste it too. Letting sense images enrich our words.

Those who want to share their words will be encouraged to do so; no one will ever be forced to read aloud! Many people enjoy having others give feedback, but we totally respect some people's need to be private.

Week 2: Memoir

What a rich store of memories each of us hold within us!I will offer brief examples from wonderful memoirs (for example Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales) and starter topics to help us bring to life and share vivid memories from our past.

Again, there will be class discussion and critiques. I'm happy to read your workat home privately and give you feedback if you prefer not to read in class.

Week 3: The Short Story

Have you ever wondered what it is that makes a good short story tick?Here I'll reveal the best way to catch your reader's attention.....and hold it.We'll learn how to use dialog to reveal character.Some simple exercises to get your story underway.

Week 4: The Mini Portfolioand pulling it all together.

This last week we'll discuss what we have learned so far and I'll help you put together a mini-portfolio.

Each workshop session will begin with a brief introduction by the instructor, then students will write on a chosen topic or topics after which we will break to discuss anything that arises. We will also have a snack!

Those willing to share their work will read excerpts to the group who will discuss the strengths of the piece in question. (No one will ever have to share work!)

There will be homework for those who want it and none for those who don’t!

Elizabeth will be happy to read and make suggestions on any writing arising from the class. She promises that her critiques will be encouraging rather than critical.

At the final session the instructor will explain how to incorporate your words into art journals and other art pieces or self-publish a book suitable for friends and family.

Class requirements/Supplies:Paper and pencil or pen. An eraser! We are very low tech.

You may use a tablet or laptop computer if you prefer.

The instructor:Elizabeth Wix Schmid, a creative writing teacher with over 30 years experience teaching both adults and adolescents is the author of The Three Graces (Soho Press 1989), Jane in Winter, and A Fortunate Child. Formerly an art critic for Newsday, she now writes and blogs in Manhattan where she lives with her husband and dog. Her workshop called THE NEED TO TELL STORIES with Roxanne Evans Stout and Seth Apter (March 2013) was her first experience at Little Bird Studios --and a wonderful one too.

Friday, March 8, 2013

What is it about the seaside that renders architects whimsical and nautical?

Here a smile and an eye, and.....

lo and behold a complete ship!

Here is the Atlantic from high up

and more of the same.

How we must study the water on cool days and warm ones. This was a pretty chilly day. The young man on the right was a champions surfer who had broken his nose twice. What did your mother say? I asked. He just smiled.

How mesmerizing the water

paddling out

or merely watching

getting one's feet wet

and looking at the bright colors of wet stones.

Looking for shells

and little plants.

Abandoned structures loom through the mist

Then, finally, sunset on the water.

ps. I'm teaching a workshop called "The Need To Tell Stories" all weekend with Seth Apter and Roxanne Evans Stout at Little Bird Studios in New York. It should be fun....